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Boys who are diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to become obese adults as those who didn't have the disorder when they were young, a new 30-year study shows.More >> Boys who are diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to become obese adults as those who didn't have the disorder when they were young, a new 30-year study shows.More >> As the American Psychiatric Association unveils the latest edition of what is considered the "bible" of modern psychiatry this weekend, the uproar over its many changes continues.More >> As the American Psychiatric Association unveils the latest edition of what is considered the "bible" of modern psychiatry this weekend, the uproar over its many changes continues.More >> Children who swallow high-powered magnets often need surgery and other invasive procedures to remove the objects, according to a new study.More >> Children who swallow high-powered magnets often need surgery and other invasive procedures to remove the objects, according to a new study.More >> Just a few extra cups of coffee each month might help prevent the development of an autoimmune liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a new study suggests.More >> Just a few extra cups of coffee each month might help prevent the development of an autoimmune liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a new study suggests.More >>
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Although spring arrived late this year in parts of the United States, the summer allergy season will still be strong, according to a sinus expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.More >> Although spring arrived late this year in parts of the United States, the summer allergy season will still be strong, according to a sinus expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.More >> New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.More >> New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.More >> Film star Angelina Jolie will have her ovaries removed to help lower her odds for ovarian cancer, People magazine reported Wednesday.More >> Film star Angelina Jolie will have her ovaries removed to help lower her odds for ovarian cancer, People magazine reported Wednesday.More >> Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.More >> Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.More >> The notion of wealthy "sugar daddies" with young, pretty wives and well-heeled "cougar" women with handsome, young husbands may be more fiction than fact, new research suggests.More >> The notion of wealthy "sugar daddies" with young, pretty wives and well-heeled "cougar" women with handsome, young husbands may be more fiction than fact, new research suggests.More >>
"I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1989. It was really a surprise. I was perfectly healthy, and it came as a shock,” says Peggy Clark.
When Peggy was diagnosed with cervical cancer, she had been getting regular Pap tests and, sometimes, the tests were inconclusive.
"But it was never clear what the results meant. Sometimes the next test came back okay," Peggy explained.
To help doctors and patients better understand a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer, the FDA has issued new guidelines for testing women over 30 that includes identifying the cancer-causing virus known as HPV.
"HPV is the Human Papilloma Virus, and it is the virus that causes cervical dysplasia. It is also the virus that causes cervical cancer," explains Dr. Charla Spenser, a Tyler gynecologist.
If you are having abnormal test results, your doctor will now recommend you get an HPV DNA test. The test looks specifically for the HPV virus. Dr. Spenser says the test can determine your risk for cancer.
"If you get an abnormal Pap back but HPV is negative, you can reassure the patient she will not need a Pap for the next year or several years. She has no risk of having cancer. If the test comes up all clear, doctors say women over 30 won't need a yearly Pap anymore, but you'll still need a yearly exam," says Dr. Spenser.
Peggy says the new test is important and could save lives. It's a medical breakthrough she's happy to see come about.
"In my case, if we had the DNA with Pap, we probably would have known for sure that I would be someone who would likely get cervical cancer. I've survived and I'm lucky now. Not everyone is," says Peggy.
